FAQs

What is the IAHC?The IAHC is an independent organization dedicated to the promotion of Health Coaches worldwide through certification, advocacy, and professional support.

What is the IAHC certification?
The IAHC certification distinguishes those Health Coaches who have:

– Graduated from a qualified school or been approved to take the Certification Examand
– Passed the International Health Coach Certification Exam

By meeting these criteria, coaches have demonstrated competency in critical coaching skills and can use the Certified International Health Coach (CIHC) designation.

What is the IAHC International Health Coach Certification Exam?
This certification exam gives Health Coaches the opportunity to increase their credibility. The exam tests Health Coaches on their knowledge of critical coaching skills, as well as ethical and professional health coaching standards.

What title do I earn after passing the certification exam?
The title earned is Certified International Health Coach (CIHC).

What is a Certified International Health Coach (CIHC)?A Certified International Health Coach (CIHC) is an expert in accountability and active listening, and is proficient in ethical and professional health coaching standards.

Who is qualified to take the certification exam?All graduates of qualified schools are eligible to take the certification exam. If you did not graduate from a qualified school, you must apply to be approved to take the exam. For more information, visit the Certificationsection.

How do I register for the certification exam?Registration can be done online or via phone. You need your IAHC ID number to register for the exam. For more information, visit the Certification section.

Where can I find my IAHC ID number?If you are a graduate of a qualified school, your IAHC ID number was emailed to you after graduation. If you have applied and been approved to take the certification exam, your IAHC ID was emailed to you. For more information, visit the Certificationsection.

How do I take the certification exam?You must take the certification exam in-person at a Pearson VUE testing center. There are over 5,000 locations around the globe. For more information, visit the Certificationsection.

What materials are offered to help prepare for the certification exam?IAHC offers a Candidate Handbook, as well as a Study Guide, to prepare for the exam. The handbook outlines IAHC’s policies and guidelines, and the Study Guide is an extensive overview of what the certification exam covers. To view these materials, visit the Certificationsection.

What proof do I have that I am a Certified International Health Coach (CIHC)?As a CIHC, you will receive:

– Confirmation (email and in person at exam center) from Pearson VUE that you passed the certification exam
– A paper certificate mailed to you within 4-6 weeks of passing the certification exam
– A digital badge from Acclaim to display your credential on your online platforms

What is the CIHC badge?This digital badge allows you to display your CIHC credential on your online platforms – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter – and your resume, email, and website. It allows you to expand your reach online to potential clients and employers. Upon passing the certification exam, you’ll receive an email from Acclaim with more information on how to claim and share your badge.

Do I need this certification to practice as a Health Coach?This certification is optional, as health coaching does not require certification. This certification is an option for those coaches who choose to stand out from the Health Coaches who may not have had adequate training. It is also an option for those coaches who need certification from a professional body for their employer or school. As a Health Coach, you can determine what is of value to you.

If I received certification from ICF or AADP, do I need to complete the IAHC certification?This certification, like all certifications for Health Coaches, is optional and not required to practice as a Health Coach. Depending on your practice, you can decide what certification best suits you and gives the most value to your practice.

How can I contact the IAHC?For our email address and mailing address, visit the Contact Ussection.